High strength alloy steels and methods of making the same

ABSTRACT

A method for producing alloy steel is provided. An alloy mixture may be melted to produce a melted alloy mixture. The alloy mixture comprises 2 to 4 weight % chromium (Cr), 12 to 16 weight % manganese (Mn), at most 4 weight % silicone (Si), 1 to 3 weight % aluminum (Al), at most 0.3 weight % carbon (C) and iron (Fe). The melted alloy mixture may be formed into a product. The product may be heated to produce a thermally homogenized product. The thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled into a plate with a first thickness. The plate may be warm rolled at a warm rolling temperature until the plate has a second thickness. The warm rolling temperature may be configured such that a crystal structure of the plate has 30 to 70 volume % austenite. The warm rolling temperature may be between 350° C. and 550° C.

BACKGROUND

Alloy steels are used in a variety of applications, such as motor vehicles, ships, roads, railways, appliances, buildings, etc. Production of alloy steels having reduced weight, superior mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength, yield strength, ductility, etc.), lower material costs, etc. is a challenge but is imperative for improving many of the applications. For example, developing advanced alloy steels with superior mechanical properties may allow for using a reduced amount of alloy steel while maintaining sufficient strength. Accordingly, a weight of a motor-vehicle employing the advanced alloy steels may be less than a second motor-vehicle employing less-advanced alloy steels. In this way, fuel consumption and/or costs of the motor vehicle may be reduced, while safety of the motor vehicle may be increased, as a result of the superior mechanical properties of the advanced alloy steel. Further, using a lower percentage of high-cost materials may reduce costs of the advanced alloy steels and/or the motor vehicle employing them. Further, any improvement in tensile strength, yield strength, ductility may result in more effective performance in industrial applications.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an example, an alloy steel is provided. The alloy steel may comprise 2 to 4 weight % chromium (Cr). The alloy steel may comprise 12 to 16 weight % manganese (Mn). The alloy steel may comprise at most 4 weight % silicone (Si). The alloy steel may comprise 1 to 3 weight % aluminum (Al). The alloy steel may comprise at most 0.3 weight % carbon (C). The alloy steel may comprise iron (Fe).

In an example, a method for producing an alloy steel is provided. An alloy mixture may be melted to produce a melted alloy mixture (e.g., a liquid state of the alloy mixture). The melted alloy mixture may be formed into a product. The product may be heated to produce a thermally homogenized product. The thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled into a plate with a first thickness. The plate may be warm rolled at a warm rolling temperature until the plate has a second thickness. The warm rolling temperature may be configured such that a crystal structure of the plate has 30 to 70 volume % austenite.

In an example, a method for producing an alloy steel is provided. An alloy mixture may be melted to produce a melted alloy mixture. The alloy mixture may comprise 2 to 4 weight % chromium (Cr). The alloy mixture may comprise 12 to 16 weight % manganese (Mn). The alloy mixture may comprise at most 4 weight % silicone (Si). The alloy mixture may comprise 1 to 3 weight % aluminum (Al). The alloy mixture may comprise at most 0.3 weight % carbon (C). The alloy mixture may comprise iron (Fe). The melted alloy mixture may be formed into a product. The product may be heated to produce a thermally homogenized product. The thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled into a plate with a first thickness. The plate may be warm rolled at a warm rolling temperature until the plate has a second thickness. The warm rolling temperature may be configured such that a crystal structure of the plate has 30 to 70 volume % austenite.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the techniques presented herein may be embodied in alternative forms, the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings are only a few examples that are supplemental of the description provided herein. These embodiments are not to be interpreted in a limiting manner, such as limiting the claims appended hereto.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a table of a plurality of alloy steels and a plurality of chemical compositions corresponding to the plurality of alloy steels.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary method for producing an alloy steel.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing an alloy steel, where an alloy mixture is melted to produce a melted alloy mixture.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing an alloy steel, where a melted alloy mixture is formed into a product.

FIG. 3C is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing an alloy steel, where a product is heated to produce a thermally homogenized product.

FIG. 3D is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing an alloy steel, where a thermally homogenized product is hot rolled to produce a plate with a first thickness.

FIG. 3E is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing an alloy steel, where a plate is heated using a furnace.

FIG. 3F is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing an alloy steel, where a plate is warm rolled at a warm rolling temperature until the plate has a second thickness.

FIG. 3G is an illustration of an exemplary process for producing an alloy steel, where a plate is heat treated using a furnace.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a table of a plurality of heat treatment processes, a plurality of heat treatment temperatures corresponding to the plurality of heat treatment processes and a plurality of durations of time corresponding to the plurality of heat treatment processes.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a table of a plurality of density measurements corresponding to a plurality of alloy steels.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of a first part of a table of mechanical properties corresponding to a plurality of alloy steels.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of a second part of a table of mechanical properties corresponding to a plurality of alloy steels.

FIG. 6C is an illustration of a third part of a table of mechanical properties corresponding to a plurality of alloy steels.

FIG. 6D is an illustration of a fourth part of a table of mechanical properties corresponding to a plurality of alloy steels.

FIG. 7A is an illustration of a table of mechanical properties corresponding to a set of alloy steels.

FIG. 7B is an illustration of a stress-strain diagram corresponding to an Alloy 13.

FIG. 7C is an illustration of a stress-strain diagram corresponding to an Alloy 19.

FIG. 7D is an illustration of a stress-strain diagram corresponding to an Alloy 23.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a table of mechanical properties corresponding to an Alloy 13, an Alloy 19 and an Alloy 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following subject matter may be embodied in a variety of different forms, such as methods, compositions, materials, and/or systems. Accordingly, this subject matter is not intended to be construed as limited to any example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative.

All numerical values within the detailed description and the claims herein are modified by “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. Ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges which may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.

Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and described the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “and”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used in the description of the disclosure herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. All publications, patent applications, patents, figures and other references mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

1. Alloy Composition

The present disclosure provides steel compositions. In some examples, one or more of the steel compositions of the present disclosure provide improvements to one or more of the following properties: yield stress, ultimate tensile strength, total elongation, etc.

FIG. 1 presents a table 100 of a plurality of alloy steels and a plurality of chemical compositions corresponding to the plurality of alloy steels. The plurality of chemical compositions may comprise weight percentages corresponding to elements comprised within the plurality of alloy steels. In some examples, weight percentages are based upon total weights of each alloy steel of the plurality of alloy steels. For example, an alloy 1 (e.g., corresponding to an alloy steel) may comprise about 16.8 weight % chromium (Cr), about 13.1 weight % nickel (Ni), about 3.4 weight % silicone (Si) and/or about 2.0% aluminum (Al).

Each weight % value of a plurality of weight percentage values of the table 100 may correspond to a range of weight percentage values. For example, each range of weight percentage values may range from a lower limit to an upper limit. The lower limit may be one of: about 20 weight % less than a corresponding weight % value, preferably about 5 weight % less than the corresponding weight % value, more preferably about 0.5 weight % less than the corresponding weight % value, even more preferably about 0.1 weight % less than the corresponding weight % value, or especially preferred about 0.05 weight % less than the corresponding weight % value. The upper limit may be one of: about 20 weight % greater than the corresponding weight % value, preferably about 5 weight % greater than the corresponding weight % value, more preferably about 0.5 weight % greater than the corresponding weight % value, even more preferably about 0.1 weight % greater than the corresponding weight % value, or especially preferred about 0.05 weight % greater than the corresponding weight % value.

Accordingly, the chromium of the alloy 1 may be present at a percentage within a first range (e.g., wherein the first range is one of: about 0 to 36.8 weight %, preferably about 11.8 to 21.8 weight %, more preferably about 16.3 to 17.3 weight %, even more preferably about 16.7 to 16.9 weight %, or especially preferred about 16.75 to 16.85 weight %), the nickel of the alloy 1 may be present at a percentage within a second range (e.g., wherein the second range is one of: about 0 to 33.1 weight %, preferably about 8.1 to 18.1 weight %, more preferably about 12.6 to 13.6 weight %, even more preferably about 13.0 to 13.2 weight %, or especially preferred about 13.05 to 13.15 weight %), etc.

In some examples, an alloy 13 of the table 100 may be provided comprising chromium, manganese, silicone, aluminum and/or carbon. In some examples, iron (Fe) may constitute the substantial balance of the alloy 13. Alternatively and/or additionally, a combination of iron and/or one or more (e.g., other) elements may constitute a substantial balance of the alloy 13.

The chromium of the alloy 13 may be present at about 3.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the chromium of the alloy 13 may be present at a percentage within a third range (e.g., wherein the third range is one of: about 0 to 23 weight %, preferably about 0 to 8 weight %, more preferably about 2.5 to 3.5 weight %, even more preferably about 2.9 to 3.1 weight %, or especially preferred about 2.95 to 3.05 weight %). The manganese of the alloy 13 may be present at about 14.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the manganese of the alloy 13 may be present at a percentage within a fourth range (e.g., wherein the fourth range is one of: about 0 to 34 weight %, preferably about 9 to 19 weight %, more preferably about 13.5 to 14.5 weight %, even more preferably about 13.9 to 14.1 weight %, or especially preferred about 13.95 to 14.05 weight %). The silicone of the alloy 13 may be present at about 1.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the silicone of the alloy 13 may be present at a percentage within a fifth range (e.g., wherein the fifth range is one of: about 0 to 21 weight %, preferably about 0 to 6 weight %, more preferably about 0.5 to 1.5 weight %, even more preferably about 0.9 to 1.1 weight %, or especially preferred about 0.95 to 1.05 weight %). The aluminum of the alloy 13 may be present at 2.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the aluminum of the alloy 13 may be present at a percentage within a sixth range (e.g., wherein the sixth range is one of: about 0 to 22 weight %, preferably about 0 to 7 weight %, more preferably about 1.5 to 2.5 weight %, even more preferably about 1.9 to 2.1 weight %, or especially preferred about 1.95 to 2.05 weight %). The carbon of the alloy 13 may be present at about 0.1 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the carbon of the alloy 13 may be present at a percentage within a seventh range (e.g., wherein the seventh range is one of: about 0 to 10 weight %, preferably about 0 to 5 weight %, more preferably about 0 to 0.6 weight %, even more preferably about 0 to 0.2 weight %, or especially preferred about 0.05 to 0.15 weight %).

In some examples, an alloy 19 of the table 100 may be provided comprising chromium, manganese, silicone, copper (Cu), aluminum and/or carbon. In some examples, iron may constitute the substantial balance of the alloy 19. Alternatively and/or additionally, a combination of iron and/or one or more (e.g., other) elements may constitute a substantial balance of the alloy 19.

The copper of the alloy 19 may be present at about 2.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the copper of the alloy 19 may be present at a percentage within an eight range (e.g., wherein the eighth range is one of: about 0 to 22 weight %, preferably about 0 to 7 weight %, more preferably about 1.5 to 2.5 weight %, even more preferably about 1.9 to 2.1 weight %, or especially preferred about 1.95 to 2.05 weight %). The chromium of the alloy 19 may be present at about 3.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the chromium of the alloy 19 may be present at a percentage within the third range. The manganese of the alloy 19 may be present at about 14.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the manganese of the alloy 19 may be present at a percentage within the fourth range. The silicone of the alloy 19 may be present at about 1.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the silicone of the alloy 19 may be present at a percentage within the fifth range. The aluminum of the alloy 19 may be present at about 2.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the aluminum of the alloy 19 may be present at a percentage within the sixth range. The carbon of the alloy 19 may be present at about 0.1 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the carbon of the alloy 19 may be present at a percentage within the seventh range.

In some examples, an alloy 23 of the table 100 may be provided comprising chromium, nickel, manganese, silicone, copper, aluminum and/or carbon. In some examples, iron may constitute the substantial balance of the alloy 23. Alternatively and/or additionally, a combination of iron and/or one or more (e.g., other) elements may constitute a substantial balance of the alloy 23.

The chromium of the alloy 23 may be present at about 2.5 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the chromium of the alloy 23 may be present at a percentage within a ninth range (e.g., wherein the ninth range is one of: about 0 to 22.5 weight %, preferably about 0 to 7.5 weight %, more preferably about 2 to 3 weight %, even more preferably about 2.4 to 2.6 weight %, or especially preferred about 2.45 to 2.55 weight %). The nickel of the alloy 23 may be present at about 1.3 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the nickel of the alloy 23 may be present at a percentage within a tenth range (e.g., wherein the tenth range is one of: about 0 to 21.3 weight %, preferably about 0 to 6.3 weight %, more preferably about 0.8 to 1.8 weight %, even more preferably about 1.2 to 1.4 weight %, or especially preferred about 1.25 to 1.35 weight %). The manganese of the alloy 23 may be present at about 14.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the manganese of the alloy 23 may be present at a percentage within the fourth range. The silicone of the alloy 23 may be present at about 2.7 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the silicone of the alloy 23 may be present at a percentage within an eleventh range (e.g., wherein the ninth range is one of: about 0 to 22.7 weight %, preferably about 0 to 7.7 weight %, more preferably about 2.2 to 3.2 weight %, even more preferably about 2.6 to 2.8 weight %, or especially preferred about 2.65 to 2.75 weight %). The copper of the alloy 23 may be present at about 0.8 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the copper of the alloy 23 may be present at a percentage within a twelfth range (e.g., wherein the twelfth range is one of: about 0 to 20.8 weight %, preferably about 0 to 5.8 weight %, more preferably about 0.3 to 1.3 weight %, even more preferably about 0.7 to 0.9 weight %, or especially preferred about 0.75 to 0.85 weight %). The aluminum of the alloy 23 may be present at about 2.0 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the aluminum of the alloy 23 may be present at a percentage within the sixth range. The carbon of the alloy 23 may be present at about 0.2 weight %. Alternatively and/or additionally, the carbon of the alloy 23 may be present at a percentage within a thirteenth range (e.g., wherein the thirteenth range is one of: about 0 to 10 weight %, preferably about 0 to 5.2 weight %, more preferably about 0 to 0.7 weight %, even more preferably about 0.1 to 0.3 weight %, or especially preferred about 0.15 to 0.25 weight %).

2. Processing 2.1 Processing Example 1

FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for producing an alloy steel. The method 200 may be distinguished as (e.g., an example of) a warm rolling process. The warm rolling process may comprise one or more hot rolling steps and/or one or more warm rolling steps. In some examples, the warm rolling process may (e.g., also) comprise one or more cold rolling steps. Alternatively and/or additionally, the warm rolling process may not comprise (any) cold rolling steps.

At 205, an alloy mixture may be melted to produce a melted alloy mixture. For example, the alloy mixture, having a composition corresponding to an alloy of the plurality of alloys in table 100, may be melted using a (e.g., vacuum induction melting) furnace. In some examples, an argon (Ar) atmosphere (e.g., and/or a different type of atmosphere) may be maintained in the furnace. In this way, the alloy mixture may be melted within the argon atmosphere. It may be appreciated that melting the alloy mixture within the argon atmosphere may reduce (e.g., and/or eliminate) oxidation of the alloy mixture. In some examples, the alloy mixture may be melted in an alumina crucible.

At 210, the melted alloy mixture may be formed into a product. For example, the melted alloy mixture may be cast in a water-cooled copper mold to form the product. The product may comprise one or more slabs, one or more ingots and/or one or more billets. In some examples, rather than forming the melted alloy mixture into the product, the melted alloy mixture may be cooled to produce a solid alloy mixture. The solid alloy mixture may be re-melted to form a second melted alloy mixture. The re-melted alloy mixture may be cast in the water-cooled copper mold to form the product.

At 215, the product may be heated to produce a thermally homogenized product. For example, the product may be heated at a first temperature for a first duration of time. For example, the product may be heated to the first temperature. A temperature of the product may be maintained at the first temperature (e.g., and/or a second temperature) for the first duration of time. The first temperature (e.g., and/or the second temperature) may be configured such that the product is thermally homogenized (e.g., thermally soaked). For example, the thermally homogenized product may have a uniform temperature (e.g., throughout the thermally homogenized product).

In some examples, the first temperature may be about 1100° C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first temperature may be within a first temperature range (e.g., wherein the first temperature range is one of: about 800° C. to 1200° C., preferably about 1000° C. to 1200° C., more preferably about 1050° C. to 1150° C., even more preferably about 1075° C. to 1125° C., or especially preferred about 1090° C. to 1110° C.).

In some examples, the first duration of time may be about 4 hours. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first duration of time may be within a first time duration range (e.g., wherein the first time duration range is one of: about 2 hours to 6 hours, preferably about 2.5 hours to 5.5 hours, more preferably about 3 hours to 5 hours, even more preferably about 3.75 hours to 4.25 hours, or especially preferred about 3.9 hours to 4.1 hours). Alternatively and/or additionally, the first duration of time may be greater than 4 hours.

At 220, the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled to produce a plate with a first thickness. In some examples, the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled at one or more hot rolling temperatures. For example, the thermally homogenized product may undergo hot rolling wherein the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled at a hot rolling start temperature at a beginning of the hot rolling (e.g., the thermally homogenized product) and the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled at a hot rolling finishing temperature at an end of the hot rolling (e.g., the thermally homogenized product).

In some examples, the hot rolling start temperature may be about 1100° C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the hot rolling start temperature may be within a second temperature range (e.g., wherein the second temperature range is one of: about 800° C. to 1200° C., preferably about 1000° C. to 1200° C., more preferably about 1050° C. to 1150° C., even more preferably about 1090° C. to 1110° C., or especially preferred about 1095° C. to 1105° C., etc.). Alternatively and/or additionally, the hot rolling start temperature may be greater than 1100° C.

In some examples, the hot rolling finishing temperature may be about 900° C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the hot rolling finishing temperature may be within a third temperature range (e.g., wherein the third temperature range is one of: about 600° C. to 1200° C., preferably about 800° C. to 1000° C., more preferably about 850° C. to 950° C., even more preferably about 890° C. to 910° C., or especially preferred about 895° C. to 905° C.). Alternatively and/or additionally, the hot rolling finishing temperature may be greater than 900° C.

In some examples, the first thickness may be about 3 millimeters (mm). Alternatively and/or additionally, the first thickness may be one of: about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm or about 15 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first thickness may be within a first thickness range (e.g., wherein the first thickness range is one of: about 1 mm to 100 mm, preferably about 1 mm to 20 mm, more preferably about 1 mm to 10 mm, even more preferably about 1 mm to 5 mm, or especially preferred about 2 mm to 4 mm).

In some examples, a first thickness reduction of a thickness of the thermally homogenized product to the first thickness (e.g., of the plate) may be about 80%. In an example, the thickness of the thermally homogenized product may be about 15 mm and the first thickness may be about 3 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first thickness reduction of the thickness of the thermally homogenized product to the first thickness may be one of: about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 85%, about 90% or about 95%. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first thickness reduction of the thickness of the thermally homogenized product to the first thickness may be within a first reduction range (e.g., wherein the first reduction range is one of: about 30% to 99%, preferably about 50% to 95%, more preferably about 60% to 95%, even more preferably about 70% to 90%, or especially preferred about 75% to 85%).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of) the hot rolling the thermally homogenized product (e.g., and/or responsive to producing the plate with the first thickness), the plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods) until the plate reaches a fourth temperature. Responsive to the plate reaching the fourth temperature, a plate temperature of the plate may be maintained at a fifth temperature (e.g., and/or the fourth temperature) for a second duration of time.

The fourth temperature may be about 700° C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the fourth temperature may be within a fourth temperature range (e.g., wherein the fourth temperature range is one of: about 400° C. to 1000° C., preferably about 600° C. to 800° C., more preferably about 650° C. to 750° C., even more preferably about 675° C. to 725° C., or especially preferred about 690° C. to 710° C.). Alternatively and/or additionally, the fourth temperature may be greater than 700° C.

The fifth temperature may be about 700° C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the fifth temperature may be within a fifth temperature range (e.g., wherein the fifth temperature range is one of: about 400° C. to 1000° C., preferably about 600° C. to 800° C., more preferably about 650° C. to 750° C., even more preferably about 675° C. to 725° C., or especially preferred about 690° C. to 710° C.). Alternatively and/or additionally, the fifth temperature may be greater than 700° C.

The second duration of time may be about 1 hour. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second duration of time may be within a second time duration range (e.g., wherein the second time duration range is one of: about 0.1 hours to 5 hours, preferably about 0.1 hours to 3 hours, more preferably about 0.5 hours to 1.5 hours, even more preferably about 0.75 hours to 1.25 hours, or especially preferred about 0.9 hours to 1.1 hours). Alternatively and/or additionally, the second duration of time may be greater than 1 hour.

In some examples, the plate may not be cooled until the plate reaches the fourth temperature and/or the plate temperature of the plate may not be maintained at the fifth temperature. In some examples, the plate may undergo a coiling process (e.g., in industrial steel making) (e.g., rather than being cooled until the plate reaches the fourth temperature and/or the plate temperature of the plate being maintained at the fifth temperature).

Responsive to completion of the maintaining the plate temperature of the plate at the fifth temperature (e.g., and/or the fourth temperature) for the second duration of time and/or responsive to completion of the plate undergoing the coiling process, the plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods) until the plate reaches a sixth temperature.

The sixth temperature may be about 450° C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the sixth temperature may be within a sixth temperature range (e.g., wherein the sixth temperature range is one of: about 150° C. to 750° C., preferably about 350° C. to 550° C., more preferably about 400° C. to 500° C., even more preferably about 425° C. to 475° C., or especially preferred about 440° C. to 460° C.). Alternatively and/or additionally, the sixth temperature may be greater than 450° C.

At 225, the plate may be warm rolled at a warm rolling temperature until the plate has a second thickness. In some examples, the plate may be warm rolled responsive to the plate reaching the sixth temperature.

In some examples, the second thickness may be about 1 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second thickness may be one of: about 0.5 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm or about 15 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second thickness may be within a second thickness range (e.g., wherein the second thickness range is one of: about 0.1 mm to 100 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm to 20 mm, more preferably about 0.1 mm to 10 mm, even more preferably about 0.1 mm to 5 mm, or especially preferred 0.5 to 2 mm).

In some examples, a second thickness reduction of the first thickness (e.g., of the plate) to the second thickness (e.g., of the plate) may be about 66.7%. In an example, the first thickness may be about 3 mm and the second thickness may be about 1 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second thickness reduction of the first thickness to the second thickness may be one of: about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90% or about 95%. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second thickness reduction of the first thickness to the second thickness may be within a second reduction range (e.g., wherein the second reduction range is one of: about 30% to 95%, preferably about 40% to 80%, more preferably about 50% to 75%, even more preferably about 60% to 70%, or especially preferred about 65% to 70%).

The warm rolling temperature may be about 450° C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the warm rolling temperature may be within a seventh temperature range (e.g., wherein the seventh temperature range is one of: about 150° C. to 750° C., preferably about 350° C. to 550° C., more preferably about 400° C. to 500° C., even more preferably about 425° C. to 475° C., or especially preferred about 440° C. to 460° C.). Alternatively and/or additionally, the seventh temperature may be greater than 450° C.

In some examples, the warm rolling temperature may be equal to the sixth temperature. Alternatively and/or additionally, the warm rolling temperature may be approximately equal to the sixth temperature. In some examples, the warm rolling temperature and/or the sixth temperature may be configured based upon a phase diagram associated with the composition of the alloy mixture. The warm rolling temperature and/or the sixth temperature may be configured such that a crystal structure of the composition of the plate has a first level of austenite (e.g., austenite phase) at one or more times (e.g., while the plate is being warm rolled and/or after the plate is warm rolled).

In some examples, the first level of austenite may be about 50 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first level of austenite may be one of: about 20 volume % austenite, about 25 volume % austenite, about 30 volume % austenite, about 35 volume % austenite, about 40 volume % austenite, about 45 volume % austenite, about 55 volume % austenite, about 60 volume % austenite, about 65 volume % austenite, about 70 volume % austenite, about 75 volume % austenite, about 80 volume % austenite, about 85 volume % austenite, about 90 volume % austenite, about 95 volume % austenite or about 100 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first level of austenite may be within a first austenite level range (e.g., wherein the first austenite level range is one of: about 15 to 95 volume % austenite, preferably about 20 to 90 volume % austenite, more preferably about 30 to 70 volume % austenite, even more preferably about 40 to 60 volume % austenite, or especially preferred about 45 to 55 volume % austenite).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of the) warm rolling the plate, the plate may be heat treated (e.g., and/or annealed) at a heat treatment temperature for a third duration of time. In some examples, a furnace used for heat treating the plate may be controlled to an accuracy of 2° C. greater than or less than the (e.g., desired) heat treatment temperature, 5° C. greater than or less than the heat treatment temperature, or 10° C. greater than or less than the heat treatment temperature. In some examples, the furnace may be a muffle furnace. In some examples, a rate of heating of the heat treating the plate may be 10° C. per minute (e.g., and/or a different rate of heating). In some examples, the plate may be heat treated while (e.g., positioned) inside of (e.g., and/or on top of, adjacent to, etc.) a cast-iron filings medium.

FIG. 4 presents a table 400 of a plurality of heat treatment processes, a plurality of heat treatment temperatures corresponding to the plurality of heat treatment processes and a plurality of durations of time corresponding to the plurality of heat treatment processes. In some examples, the plate may be heat treated based upon a heat treatment process of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. For example, a heat treatment process HT 1 may correspond to a first heat treatment temperature of about 200° C. and/or a fourth duration of time of about 20 minutes.

Each heat treatment temperature of the plurality of heat treatment temperatures of the table 400 may correspond to a range of heat treatment temperatures. For example, each range of heat treatment temperatures may range from a lower limit to an upper limit. The lower limit may be one of: about 100° C. less than a corresponding heat treatment temperature, preferably about 60° C. less than the corresponding heat treatment temperature, more preferably about 40° C. less than the corresponding heat treatment temperature, even more preferably about 10° C. less than the corresponding heat treatment temperature, or especially preferred about 5° C. less than the corresponding heat treatment temperature. The upper limit may be one of: about 100° C. greater than the corresponding heat treatment temperature, preferably about 60° C. greater than the corresponding heat treatment temperature, more preferably about 40° C. greater than the corresponding heat treatment temperature, even more preferably about 10° C. greater than the corresponding heat treatment temperature, or especially preferred about 5° C. greater than the corresponding heat treatment temperature.

Accordingly, the first heat treatment temperature of the first heat treatment process HT1 may be within an eighth temperature range (e.g., wherein the eighth temperature range is one of: about 100° C. to 300° C., preferably about 140° C. to 260° C., more preferably about 160° C. to 240° C., even more preferably about 190° C. to 210° C., or especially preferred about 195° C. to 205° C.

In some examples, the heat treatment temperature (e.g., for heat treating the plate) may be configured such that the crystal structure of the composition of the plate has a second level of austenite at one or more times (e.g., while the plate is being heat treated and/or after the plate is heat treated). In some examples, the second level of austenite may be about 20 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second level of austenite may be one of: about 5 volume % austenite, about 10 volume % austenite, about 15 volume % austenite or about 30 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second level of austenite may be within a second austenite level range (e.g., wherein the austenite level range is one of: about 5 to 35 volume % austenite, preferably about 10 to 30 volume % austenite, more preferably about 15 to 25 volume % austenite, or even more preferably about 18 to 22 volume % austenite).

In some examples, the heat treatment temperature (e.g., for heat treating the plate) may be configured such that the crystal structure of the composition of the plate has a third level of austenite at one or more times (e.g., while the plate is being heat treated and/or after the plate is heat treated). In some examples, the third level of austenite may be equal to the first level of austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third level of austenite may be approximately equal to the first level of austenite. For example, the third level of austenite may be about 50 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third level of austenite may be one of: about 35 volume % austenite, about 40 volume % austenite, about 45 volume % austenite, about 55 volume % austenite or about 60 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third level of austenite may be within a third austenite level range (e.g., wherein the austenite level range is one of: about 30 to 70 volume % austenite, preferably about 35 to 65 volume % austenite, more preferably about 40 to 60 volume % austenite, even more preferably about 45 to 55 volume % austenite, or especially preferred about 48 to 52 volume % austenite).

In some examples, the heat treatment temperature (e.g., for heat treating the plate) may be configured such that the crystal structure of the composition of the plate has a fourth level of austenite at one or more times (e.g., while the plate is being heat treated and/or after the plate is heat treated). For example, the fourth level of austenite may be about 80 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the fourth level of austenite may be one of: about 65 volume % austenite, about 70 volume % austenite, about 75 volume % austenite, about 85 volume % austenite or about 90 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the fourth level of austenite may be within a fourth austenite level range (e.g., wherein the fourth austenite level range is one of: about 65 to 95 volume % austenite, preferably about 70 to 90 volume % austenite, more preferably about 75 to 85 volume % austenite, or even more preferably about 78 to 72 volume % austenite).

In some examples, the heat treatment temperature (e.g., for heat treating the plate) may be configured such that the crystal structure of the composition of the plate has a fifth level of austenite at one or more times (e.g., while the plate is being heat treated and/or after the plate is heat treated). For example, the fifth level of austenite may be about 100 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the fifth level of austenite may be one of: about 95 volume % austenite, about 96 volume % austenite, about 97 volume % austenite, about 98 volume % austenite or about 99 volume % austenite. Alternatively and/or additionally, the fifth level of austenite may be within a fifth austenite level range (e.g., wherein the austenite level range is about 92 to 100 volume % austenite, preferably about 95 to 100 volume % austenite, or more preferably about 98 to 100 volume %).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of the) heat treating the plate, the plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods).

2.2 Processing Example 2

In some examples, a second method for producing an alloy steel may be implemented. The second method may be distinguished as (e.g., an example of) a hot rolling process. The hot rolling process may comprise one or more hot rolling steps.

In some examples, the hot rolling process may comprise steps similar to steps 205, 210 and/or 215 of the method 200. For example, responsive to producing the thermally homogenized product, the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled to produce a second plate with a third thickness. In some examples, the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled at one or more second hot rolling temperatures. For example, the thermally homogenized product may undergo hot rolling wherein the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled at a second hot rolling start temperature at a beginning of the hot rolling (e.g., the thermally homogenized product) and the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled at a second hot rolling finishing temperature at an end of the hot rolling (e.g., the thermally homogenized product).

In some examples, the second hot rolling start temperature may be about 1100° C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second hot rolling start temperature may be within the second temperature range. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second hot rolling start temperature may be greater than 1100° C.

In some examples, the second hot rolling finishing temperature may be about 900° C. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second hot rolling finishing temperature may be within the third temperature range. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second hot rolling finishing temperature may be greater than 900° C.

In some examples, the third thickness may be about 1 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third thickness may be one of: about 0.5 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm or about 15 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third thickness may be within the second thickness range. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third thickness may be greater than 15 mm.

In some examples, a third thickness reduction of the thickness of the thermally homogenized product to the third thickness (e.g., of the second plate) may be about 93.3%. In an example, the thickness of the thermally homogenized product may be about 15 mm and the third thickness may be about 1 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third thickness reduction of the thickness of the thermally homogenized product to the third thickness may be one of: about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95% or about 98%. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third thickness reduction of the thickness of the thermally homogenized product to the third thickness may be within a third reduction range (e.g., wherein the third reduction range is one of: about 30% to 99%, preferably about 50% to 99%, 98%, more preferably about 75% to 97%, even more preferably about 85% to 96%, or especially preferred about 92% to 95%)_(.)

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of) the hot rolling the thermally homogenized product (e.g., and/or responsive to producing the second plate with the third thickness), the second plate may be heat treated (e.g., and/or annealed) at a second heat treatment temperature for a fifth duration of time. In some examples, the second heat treatment temperature and/or the fifth duration of time may be based upon the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second heat treatment temperature and/or the fifth duration of time may be different than (e.g., each of) the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, the second heat treatment temperature may be configured such that a second crystal structure of a composition of the second plate has one of: the second level of austenite, the third level of austenite, the fourth level of austenite or the fifth level of austenite (e.g., at one or more times while the second plate is being heat treated and/or after the second plate is heat treated).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of the) heat treating the second plate, the second plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods).

2.3 Processing Example 3

In some examples, a third method for producing an alloy steel may be implemented. The third method may be distinguished as (e.g., an example of) a cold rolling process. The cold rolling process may comprise one or more hot rolling steps and/or one or more cold rolling steps.

In some examples, the cold rolling process may comprise steps similar to steps 205, 210, 215 and/or 220 of the method 200. For example, the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled (e.g., at the hot rolling start temperature and/or the hot rolling finishing temperature) to produce a third plate with the first thickness (e.g., and/or a fourth thickness).

In some examples, a fourth thickness reduction of the thickness of the thermally homogenized product to the first thickness (e.g., of the third plate) may be about 80%. In an example, the thickness of the thermally homogenized product may be about 15 mm and the first thickness may be about 3 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the fourth thickness reduction of the thickness of the thermally homogenized product to the first thickness may be one of: about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 85%, about 90% or about 95%. Alternatively and/or additionally, the fourth thickness reduction of the thickness of the thermally homogenized product to the first thickness may be within a fourth reduction range (e.g., wherein the fourth reduction range is one of: about 30% to 99%, preferably about 50% to 95%, more preferably about 60% to 95%, even more preferably about 70% to 90%, or especially preferred about 79% to 81%).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of) the hot rolling the thermally homogenized product (e.g., and/or responsive to producing the third plate), the third plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods) until the third plate reaches the fourth temperature. Responsive to the third plate reaching the fourth temperature, a plate temperature of the third plate may be maintained at the fifth temperature (e.g., and/or the fourth temperature) for the second duration of time.

In some examples, the third plate may not be cooled until the third plate reaches the fourth temperature and/or the plate temperature of the third plate may not be maintained at the fifth temperature. In some examples, the third plate may undergo a coiling process (e.g., in industrial steel making) (e.g., rather than being cooled until the third plate reaches the fourth temperature and/or the plate temperature of the third plate being maintained at the fifth temperature).

Responsive to completion of the maintaining the plate temperature of the third plate at the fifth temperature (e.g., and/or the fourth temperature) for the second duration of time and/or responsive to completion of the third plate undergoing the coiling process, the third plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods) until the third plate reaches a ninth temperature.

The ninth temperature may correspond to ambient temperature (e.g., room temperature). Alternatively and/or additionally, the ninth temperature may be within a ninth temperature range (e.g., wherein the ninth temperature range is one of: about 0° C. to 100° C., preferably about 5° C. to 50° C., more preferably about 10° C. to 40° C., even more preferably about 15° C. to 30° C., or especially preferred about 20° C. to 25° C.).

In some examples, the third plate may be cold rolled at the ninth temperature (e.g., and/or a tenth temperature) until the plate has the second thickness (e.g., and/or a fifth thickness). In some examples, the third plate may be cold rolled responsive to the third plate reaching the ninth temperature.

In some examples, a fifth thickness reduction of the first thickness of the third plate to the second thickness of the third plate may be about 66.7%. In an example, the first thickness may be about 3 mm and the second thickness may be about 1 mm. Alternatively and/or additionally, the fifth thickness reduction of the first thickness to the second thickness may be one of: about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90% or about 95%. Alternatively and/or additionally, the fifth thickness reduction of the first thickness to the second thickness may be within a fifth reduction range (e.g., wherein the fifth reduction range is one of: about 30% to 95%, preferably about 40% to 80%, more preferably about 50% to 75%, even more preferably about 60% to 70%, or especially preferred about 65% to 70%).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of) the cold rolling the third plate, the third plate may be heat treated (e.g., and/or annealed) at a third heat treatment temperature for a sixth duration of time. In some examples, the third heat treatment temperature and/or the sixth duration of time may be based upon the plurality of heat treatment process of the table 400. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third heat treatment temperature and/or the sixth duration of time may be different than (e.g., each of) the plurality of heat treatment process of the table 400. In some examples, the third heat treatment temperature may be configured such that a third crystal structure of a composition of the third plate has one of: the second level of austenite, the third level of austenite, the fourth level of austenite or the fifth level of austenite (e.g., at one or more times while the third plate is being heat treated and/or after the third plate is heat treated).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of the) heat treating the third plate, the third plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods).

3. Illustration of Warm Rolling Process

FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate examples of a process 300 for producing an alloy steel. The process 300 may be distinguished as (e.g., an example of) the warm rolling process.

FIG. 3A illustrates an alloy mixture 306 being melted to produce a melted alloy mixture 310. For example, the alloy mixture 306, having a composition corresponding to an alloy of the plurality of alloys in table 100, may be melted using a (e.g., vacuum induction melting) furnace. In some examples, the alloy mixture 306 may be melted in a crucible 304. The crucible 304 may be an alumina crucible. FIG. 3B illustrates the melted alloy mixture 310 being formed into a product. For example, the melted alloy mixture 310 may be cast in a (e.g., water-cooled) copper mold 308 to form the product.

FIG. 3C illustrates the product being heated to produce a thermally homogenized product 320. The product may comprise one or more slabs 312. In some examples, the one or more slabs 312 may be heated inside a furnace 316 at a first temperature (e.g., about 1100° C. or a different temperature) for a first duration of time (e.g., about 4 hours or a different duration of time). The one or more slabs 312 may be heated using a burner 314. Alternatively and/or additionally, the one or more slabs 312 may be heated using one or more (other) heating devices (e.g., electromagnetic heating devices, etc.) of the furnace 316.

FIG. 3D illustrates the thermally homogenized product 320 being hot rolled to produce a plate 324 with a first thickness. In some examples, the thermally homogenized product 320 may be hot rolled at one or more hot rolling temperatures. For example, the thermally homogenized product 320 may undergo hot rolling wherein the thermally homogenized product 320 may be hot rolled at a hot rolling start temperature (e.g., about 1100° C. or a different temperature) at a beginning of the hot rolling (e.g., the thermally homogenized product 320) and the thermally homogenized product 320 may be hot rolled at a hot rolling finishing temperature (e.g., about 900° C. or a different temperature) at an end of the hot rolling (e.g., the thermally homogenized product 320). In some examples, a first thickness reduction of a thickness of the thermally homogenized product 320 to the first thickness (e.g., of the plate 324) may be about 80% (e.g., or a different value). In an example, the thickness of the thermally homogenized product 320 may be about 15 mm and the first thickness may be about 3 mm.

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of) the hot rolling the thermally homogenized product 320 (e.g., and/or responsive to producing the plate 324 with the first thickness), the plate 324 may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods) until the plate 324 reaches a second temperature (e.g., about 700° C. or a different temperature).

FIG. 3E illustrates the plate 324 being heated using a second furnace 328. For example, responsive to the plate 324 reaching the second temperature, a plate temperature of the plate 324 may be maintained at a third temperature (e.g., about 700° C. or a different temperature) for a second duration of time (e.g., about 1 hour or a different duration of time). Alternatively and/or additionally, responsive to the plate 324 reaching the second temperature, a second burner 326 (e.g., and/or one or more heating devices of the second furnace 328) may be configured to heat the second furnace 328 (e.g., and/or maintain a temperature of the second furnace 328) at the third temperature for the second duration of time. In some examples, the second furnace 328 may be the same as the furnace 316. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second furnace 328 may be different than the furnace 316.

FIG. 3F illustrates the plate 324 being warm rolled at a warm rolling temperature (e.g., 450° C. or a different temperature) until the plate has a second thickness. In some examples, prior to the plate 324 being warm rolled, the plate 324 may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods) until the plate 324 reaches a fourth temperature (e.g., 450° C. or a different temperature). In some examples, a second thickness reduction of the first thickness (e.g., of the plate 324) to the second thickness (e.g., of the plate 324) may be about 66.7% (e.g., or a different value). In an example, the second thickness may be about 1 mm.

FIG. 3G illustrates the plate 324 being heat treated (e.g., and/or annealed) using a third furnace 334. In some examples, the third furnace 334 may be a muffle furnace. For example, responsive to (e.g., completion of the) warm rolling the plate 324, the plate 324 may be heat treated at a heat treatment temperature for a third duration of time using a third burner 332 and/or one or more heating devices of the third furnace 334. In some examples, the third furnace 334 may be the same as the furnace 316 and/or the second furnace 328. Alternatively and/or additionally, the third furnace 334 may be different than the furnace 316 and/or the second furnace 328. In some examples, the plate 324 may be heat treated while (e.g., positioned) inside of (e.g., and/or on top of, adjacent to, etc.) a cast-iron filings medium.

4. Mechanical Properties of Alloys 4.1 Density Measurements of Alloys

FIG. 5 illustrates a table 500 of a plurality of density measurements corresponding to the plurality of alloy steels (e.g., presented in the table 100). The plurality of density measurements may be represented in grams (g) per cubic centimeter (cm³). The plurality of density measurements were measured at ambient temperature based upon the Archimedean technique using an electronic balance. The plurality of density measurements may have been measured with a precision of ±0.01 g. The plurality of density measurements may range from about 7.43 g/cm³ to 7.66 g/cm³. The plurality of density measurements were measured on a set of hot rolled alloy steels with compositions corresponding to (e.g., each) the plurality of alloy steels. In some examples, each hot rolled alloy steel of the set of hot rolled alloy steels may have a thickness of about 3 mm.

4.2 Mechanical Properties Example 1

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a table 600 of mechanical properties corresponding to the plurality of alloy steels (e.g., presented in the table 100). In some examples, the table 600 may comprise a plurality of sets of mechanical properties. Each set of mechanical properties of the plurality of sets of mechanical properties may correspond to an alloy steel of the plurality of alloy steels, a rolling process (e.g., wherein “HR” indicates the hot rolling process of the second method and “CR” indicates the cold rolling process of the third method) and/or a heat treatment process (e.g., corresponding to the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400).

For example, a first set of mechanical properties may correspond to a first instance of the Alloy 1 that underwent the hot rolling process and did not undergo a heat treatment process. The first instance of the Alloy 1 may have a yield strength of about 586±16 megapascals (MPa), a tensile strength (e.g., and/or an ultimate tensile strength) of about 695±12 MPa and an elongation of about 50.0±2%. Alternatively and/or additionally, a second set of mechanical properties may correspond to a second instance of the Alloy 1 that underwent the hot rolling process and underwent a heat treatment process HT 18 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. The second instance of the Alloy 1 may have a yield strength of about 219±2 MPa, a tensile strength (e.g., and/or an ultimate tensile strength) of about 568±10 MPa and an elongation of about 83.0±5%.

The mechanical properties of the table 600 were measured using uniaxial tensile testing techniques at ambient temperature. Tests were performed on specimens of each (e.g., instance of each) alloy steel of the table 100 and/or the table 600. Each specimen, prepared and/or produced by electrical discharge machining techniques, had a cross-section of about 3×1 mm² and/or a gauge length of about 11.4 mm. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted along a rolling direction of the specimens using an Instron 5967 30 kN testing machine at a strain rate of 8.5×10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ (0.6 mm/minute). Yield strengths were measured using a 0.2% offset plastic strain method. Each measurement of the mechanical properties may be a mean value of three measurements corresponding to three tests performed on three specimens (e.g., of the same type). A plurality of yield strength measurements of the table 600 may range from about 211 to 2000 MPa. A plurality of tensile strength measurements of the table 600 may range from about 568 to 2070 MPa. A plurality of elongation measurements of the table 600 may range from about 0.2% to 92.3%.

4.2 Mechanical Properties Example 2

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate mechanical properties corresponding to a set of alloy steels of the plurality of alloy steels (e.g., presented in the table 100) that undergo (e.g., a process similar to) the warm rolling process of the method 200. The set of alloy steels may comprise an Alloy 13, an Alloy 19 and an Alloy 23. The Alloy 13, the Alloy 19 and the Alloy 23 may be selected for the warm rolling process based upon work-hardening capacities of the Alloy 13, the Alloy 19 and the Alloy 23 (e.g., that may be higher than work-hardening capacities of other alloy steels of the plurality of alloy steels) determined based upon the plurality of sets of mechanical properties of the table 600.

FIG. 7A illustrates a table 700 of the mechanical properties corresponding to the set of alloy steels. In some examples, the table 700 comprises a second plurality of sets of mechanical properties. Each set of mechanical properties of the second plurality of sets of mechanical properties may correspond to an alloy steel of the set of alloy steels, the warm rolling process (e.g., wherein “WR” indicates the warm rolling process of the method 200) and/or a heat treatment process (e.g., corresponding to the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400).

The mechanical properties of the table 700 were measured using uniaxial tensile testing techniques at ambient temperature. Tests were performed on specimens of the Alloy 13, the Alloy 19 and the Alloy 23. Each specimen, prepared and/or produced by electrical discharge machining techniques, had a cross-section of about 3×1 mm² and/or a gauge length of about 11.4 mm. Each specimen may have been cut parallel to a rolling direction. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on the specimens using an Instron 5967 30 kN testing machine at an (e.g., initial) strain rate of 8.5×10⁻⁴ (0.6 mm/minute). A second plurality of yield strength measurements of the table 700 may range from about 345 to 1603 MPa. A second plurality of tensile strength measurements of the table 700 may range from about 1280 to 1824 MPa. A plurality of elongation measurements of the table 600 may range from about 18% to 55.1%.

For example, a first set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a first instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warm rolling process and did not undergo a heat treatment process. The first instance of the Alloy 13 may have a yield strength of about 1495±19 MPa, a tensile strength (e.g., and/or an ultimate tensile strength) of about 1824±59 MPa and an elongation of about 18±5%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a second set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a second instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 1 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, the first heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment process HT 1 may cause a crystal structure of the Alloy 13 to have the second level of austenite. The second instance of the Alloy 13 may have a yield strength of about 1000±22 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1579±71 MPa and an elongation of about 34.8±7%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a third set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a third instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heat treatment process HT 5 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment process HT 5 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 13 to have the third level of austenite. The third instance of the Alloy 13 may have a yield strength of about 1040±43 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1740±44 MPa and an elongation of about 36.8±9%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a fourth set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a fourth instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heat treatment process HT 9 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment process HT 9 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 13 to have the fourth level of austenite. The fourth instance of the Alloy 13 may have a yield strength of about 1050±21 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1570±32 MPa and an elongation of about 33±8%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a fifth set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a fifth instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heat treatment process HT 17 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment process HT 17 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 13 to have the fifth level of austenite. The fifth instance of the Alloy 13 may have a yield strength of about 345±10 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1500±19 MPa and an elongation of about 32.8±8%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a sixth set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a first instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and did not undergo a heat treatment process. The first instance of the Alloy 19 may have a yield strength of about 1143±44 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1570±55 MPa and an elongation of about 48±7%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a seventh set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a second instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heat treatment process HT 2 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment process HT 2 may cause a crystal structure of the Alloy 19 to have the second level of austenite. The second instance of the Alloy 19 may have a yield strength of about 1050±21 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1400±32 MPa and an elongation of about 48.8±4%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, an eighth set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a third instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 5 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, the heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment process HT 5 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 19 to have the third level of austenite. The third instance of the Alloy 19 may have a yield strength of about 1040±54 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1370±17 MPa and an elongation of about 50.3±11%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a ninth set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a fourth instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heat treatment process HT 11 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment process HT 11 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 19 to have the fourth level of austenite. The fourth instance of the Alloy 19 may have a yield strength of about 770±17 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1440±26 MPa and an elongation of about 50±8%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a tenth set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a fifth instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 17 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, the heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment process HT 17 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 19 to have the fifth level of austenite. The fifth instance of the Alloy 19 may have a yield strength of about 413±21 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1280±12 MPa and an elongation of about 52±10%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, an eleventh set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a first instance of the Alloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and did not undergo a heat treatment process. The first instance of the Alloy 23 may have a yield strength of about 1500±15 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1650±22 MPa and an elongation of about 28.8±3%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a twelfth set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a second instance of the Alloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heat treatment process HT 3 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment process HT 3 may cause a crystal structure of the Alloy 23 to have the second level of austenite. The second instance of the Alloy 23 may have a yield strength of about 1603±19 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1730±32 MPa and an elongation of about 42±5%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a thirteenth set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a third instance of the Alloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heat treatment process HT 6 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment process HT 6 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 23 to have the third level of austenite. The third instance of the Alloy 23 may have a yield strength of about 1510±11 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1720±20 MPa and an elongation of about 45.4±6%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a fourteenth set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a fourth instance of the Alloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent a heat treatment process HT 10 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, a heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment process HT 10 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 23 to have the fourth level of austenite. The fourth instance of the Alloy 23 may have a yield strength of about 1500±18 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1690±33 MPa and an elongation of about 45±4%.

Alternatively and/or additionally, a fifteenth set of mechanical properties of the table 700 may correspond to a fifth instance of the Alloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 17 of the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400. In some examples, the heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment process HT 17 may cause the crystal structure of the Alloy 23 to have the fifth level of austenite. The fifth instance of the Alloy 23 may have a yield strength of about 561.2±14 MPa, a tensile strength of about 1670±21 MPa and an elongation of about 55.1±15%.

FIG. 7B illustrates a stress-strain diagram corresponding to the Alloy 13. Stress (MPa) values (e.g., y-axis) are shown as a function of elongation (%) values (e.g., x-axis). In some examples, a first curve 722 may represent the first instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warm rolling process and did not undergo a heat treatment process. Alternatively and/or additionally, a second curve 730 may represent the third instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 5. Alternatively and/or additionally, a third curve 728 may represent the second instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 1. Alternatively and/or additionally, a fourth curve 726 may represent the fourth instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 9. Alternatively and/or additionally, a fifth curve 724 may represent the fifth instance of the Alloy 13 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 17.

FIG. 7C illustrates a stress-strain diagram corresponding to the Alloy 19. Stress (MPa) values (e.g., y-axis) are shown as a function of elongation (%) values (e.g., x-axis). In some examples, a first curve 742 may represent the first instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and did not undergo a heat treatment process. Alternatively and/or additionally, a second curve 744 may represent the third instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 5. Alternatively and/or additionally, a third curve 746 may represent the second instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 2. Alternatively and/or additionally, a fourth curve 748 may represent the fourth instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 11. Alternatively and/or additionally, a fifth curve 750 may represent the fifth instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 17.

FIG. 7D illustrates a stress-strain diagram corresponding to the Alloy 23. Stress (MPa) values (e.g., y-axis) are shown as a function of elongation (%) values (e.g., x-axis). In some examples, a first curve 762 may represent the first instance of the Alloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and did not undergo a heat treatment process. Alternatively and/or additionally, a second curve 764 may represent the second instance of the Alloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 3. Alternatively and/or additionally, a third curve 766 may represent the third instance of the Alloy 19 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 6. Alternatively and/or additionally, a fourth curve 768 may represent the fourth instance of the Alloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 10. Alternatively and/or additionally, a fifth curve 770 may represent the fifth instance of the Alloy 23 that underwent the warm rolling process and underwent the heat treatment process HT 17.

4.3 Mechanical Properties Example 3

The Alloy 13, the Alloy 19 and/or the Alloy 23 may undergo a process similar to the cold rolling process of the third method. For example, the process may comprise melting an alloy mixture to produce a melted alloy mixture using a (e.g., vacuum induction melting) furnace. In some examples, an argon atmosphere (e.g., and/or a different type of atmosphere) may be maintained in the furnace. The melted alloy mixture may be formed into a product (e.g., using one or more fast solidification methods). For example, the melted alloy mixture may be cast in a water-cooled copper mold to form the product (e.g., comprising one or more slabs, one or more ingots and/or one or more billets).

In some examples, the product may be heated to produce a thermally homogenized product. For example, the product may be heated to a first temperature for a first duration of time. A temperature of the product may be maintained at the first temperature for the first duration of time. In some examples, the first temperature may be about 1100° C. (e.g., and/or a different temperature). In some examples, the first duration of time may be about 2 hours (e.g., and/or a different duration of time).

In some examples, a thickness of the thermally homogenized product may be 15 mm. For example, a size of the thermally homogenized product may be 50×30×15 mm³. The thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled (e.g., for 10 passes and/or a different number of passes) to produce a plate with a first thickness (e.g., about 3 mm or a different thickness). In some examples, the thermally homogenized product may be rolled using a 200 mm trial rolling mill. In some examples, the thermally homogenized product may undergo hot rolling wherein the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled at a hot rolling start temperature at a beginning of the hot rolling (e.g., the thermally homogenized product) and the thermally homogenized product may be hot rolled at a hot rolling finishing temperature at an end of the hot rolling (e.g., the thermally homogenized product). The hot rolling start temperature may be about 1100° C. (e.g., and/or a different temperature) and/or the hot rolling finishing temperature may be about 950° C. (e.g., and/or a different temperature).

Responsive to (e.g., completion of) the hot rolling the thermally homogenized product (e.g., and/or responsive to producing the plate), the plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods) until the plate reaches a second temperature (e.g., about 700° C. or a different temperature). Responsive to the plate reaching the second temperature, a plate temperature of the plate may be maintained at a third temperature (e.g., about 700° C. or a different temperature) for a second duration of time (e.g., 1 hour and/or a different duration of time). In some examples, rather than cooling the plate until the plate reaches the second temperature, the plate may be cooled until the plate reaches ambient temperature. The plate may then be heated to a fourth temperature (e.g., about 700° C. or a different temperature). Responsive to the plate reaching the fourth temperature, the plate temperature of the plate may be maintained at the third temperature for the second duration of time.

Responsive to completion of the maintaining the plate temperature of the plate at the third temperature for the second duration of time and/or responsive to completion of the plate undergoing the coiling process, the plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods) until the plate reaches a fifth temperature (e.g., ambient temperature and/or a different temperature).

In some examples, the plate may be cold rolled at the fifth temperature until the plate has a second thickness. In some examples, a cold rolling thickness reduction of the first thickness to the second thickness may be at a first thickness reduction level (e.g., about 33%), a second thickness reduction level (e.g., about 40%) or a third thickness reduction level (e.g., about 44%).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of) the cold rolling the plate, the plate may be heat treated (e.g., and/or annealed) at a heat treatment temperature for a third duration of time. In some examples, the heat treatment temperature and/or the third duration of time may be based upon the plurality of heat treatment process of the table 400. Alternatively and/or additionally, the heat treatment temperature and/or the third duration of time may be different than (e.g., each of) the plurality of heat treatment process of the table 400. In some examples, the heat treatment temperature may be configured such that a crystal structure of a composition of the plate has one of: a second level of austenite (e.g., about 20%), a third level of austenite (e.g., about 50%), a fourth level of austenite (e.g., about 80%) or a fifth level of austenite (e.g., about 100%) (e.g., at one or more times while the plate is being heat treated and/or after the plate is heat treated).

In some examples, responsive to (e.g., completion of the) heat treating the third plate, the third plate may be cooled (e.g., using air cooling methods and/or other cooling methods).

FIG. 8 illustrates a table 800 of mechanical properties corresponding to the Alloy 13, the Alloy 19 and the Alloy 23. In some examples, the table 800 comprises a third plurality of sets of mechanical properties. Each set of mechanical properties of the third plurality of sets of mechanical properties may correspond to an alloy steel (e.g., the Alloy 13, the Alloy 19 or the Alloy 23), a rolling process (e.g., wherein “CR” indicates the cold rolling process of the third method), the cold rolling thickness reduction (e.g., the first thickness reduction level of about 33%, the second thickness reduction level of about 40% or the third thickness reduction level of about 44%) and/or a heat treatment process (e.g., corresponding to the plurality of heat treatment processes of the table 400).

A third plurality of yield strength measurements of the table 800 may range from about 590 to 1557 MPa. A third plurality of tensile strength measurements of the table 800 may range from about 1310 to 2200 MPa. A third plurality of elongation measurements of the table 800 may range from about 3.4% to 67.2%.

One or more alloy steels provided herein and/or one or more methods for producing alloy steels may lead to benefits including improved mechanical properties, such as a combination of higher ductility (e.g., elongation), higher yield strength and/or higher tensile strength. Accordingly, the one or more alloy steels may be beneficial for use in a variety of applications such as motor vehicles, ships, roads, railways, appliances, buildings, industrial applications, etc. For example, a weight of a motor-vehicle employing the one or more alloy steels may have less weight than a motor-vehicle employing different steels. Further, a safety, fuel consumption, etc. of the motor-vehicle may increase as a result of the higher yield strength, higher tensile strength, higher ductility and/or the reduction in weight.

Further, (e.g., chemical compositions of) the one or more alloy steels comprise low-cost elements and/or materials and do not comprise (e.g., a substantial amount of) high-cost elements and/or materials. Accordingly, the one or more alloy steels may be beneficial for use in a variety of applications such as motor vehicles, ships, roads, railways, appliances, buildings, industrial applications, etc. as a result of the lower costs of the one or more alloy steels.

Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” and/or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first object and a second object generally correspond to object A and object B or two different or two identical objects or the same object.

Moreover, “example” is used herein to mean serving as an instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used herein, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, and/or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising”.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims.

Various operations of embodiments and/or examples are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations are described herein should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated by one skilled in the art having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment and/or example provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments and/or examples.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An alloy steel, comprising: 2 to 4 weight % chromium (Cr); 12 to 16 weight % manganese (Mn); at most 4 weight % silicone (Si); 1 to 3 weight % aluminum (Al); at most 0.3 weight % carbon (C); and iron (Fe).
 2. The alloy steel of claim 1, having a nickel (Ni) content of at most 1.5 weight %.
 3. The alloy steel of claim 1, having a copper (Cu) content of at most 3 weight %.
 4. The alloy steel of claim 1, wherein: the chromium is present at 2.9 to 3.1 weight %; the manganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; the silicone is present at 0.9 to 1.1 weight %; the aluminum is present at 1.9 to 2.1 weight %; and the carbon is present at 0.09 to 0.11 weight %.
 5. The alloy steel of claim 4, having at least one of: a tensile strength of at least 1765 megapascals (MPa), a yield strength of at least 1476 MPa and a total elongation of at least 13%; a tensile strength of at least 1508 MPa, a yield strength of at least 978 and a total elongation of at least 27.8%; a tensile strength of at least 1696 MPa, a yield strength of at least 907 and a total elongation of at least 27.8%; a tensile strength of at least 1538 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1029 and a total elongation of at least 25%; or a tensile strength of at least 1481 MPa, a yield strength of at least 335 and a total elongation of at least 24.8%.
 6. The alloy steel of claim 4, having a copper content of 1.5 to 2.5 weight %.
 7. The alloy steel of claim 6, having at least one of: a tensile strength of at least 1515 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1099 MPa and a total elongation of at least 41%; a tensile strength of at least 1368 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1029 MPa and a total elongation of at least 44.8%; a tensile strength of at least 1353 MPa, a yield strength of at least 986 MPa and a total elongation of at least 39.3%; a tensile strength of at least 1414 MPa, a yield strength of at least 753 MPa and a total elongation of at least 42%; or a tensile strength of at least 1268 MPa, a yield strength of at least 392 MPa and a total elongation of at least 42%.
 8. The alloy steel of claim 1, having a nickel content of 1.0 to 1.6 weight % and a copper content of 0.5 to 1.1 weight %, wherein: the chromium is present at 2.4 to 2.6 weight %; the manganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; the silicone is present at 2.6 to 2.8 weight %; the aluminum is present at 1.9 to 2.1 weight %; and the carbon is present at 0.19 to 0.21 weight %.
 9. The alloy steel of claim 8, having at least one of: a tensile strength of at least 1628 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1485 MPa and a total elongation of at least 25.8%; a tensile strength of at least 1698 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1584 MPa and a total elongation of at least 37%; a tensile strength of at least 1700 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1499 MPa and a total elongation of at least 39.4%; a tensile strength of at least 1657 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1482 MPa and a total elongation of at least 41%; or a tensile strength of at least 1649 MPa, a yield strength of at least 547.2 MPa and a total elongation of at least 40.1%.
 10. A method for producing an alloy steel, comprising: melting an alloy mixture to produce a melted alloy mixture; forming the melted alloy mixture into a product; heating the product to produce a thermally homogenized product; hot rolling the thermally homogenized product into a plate with a first thickness; and warm rolling the plate at a warm rolling temperature until the plate has a second thickness, wherein the warm rolling temperature is configured such that a crystal structure of the plate has 30 to 70 volume % austenite.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of: the warm rolling temperature is between 350° C. and 550° C.; the second thickness is between 0.9 millimeters (mm) and 1.1 mm; or a thickness reduction of the first thickness to the second thickness is 60% to 70%.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of: the thermally homogenized product is hot rolled at one or more hot rolling temperatures between 800° C. and 1200° C.; the first thickness is between 2 mm and 4 mm; or a thickness reduction of a thickness of the thermally homogenized product to the first thickness is 70% to 90%.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the product comprises at least one of one or more slabs, one or more ingots or one or more billets.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the product is heated at 1000° C. to 1200° C. for 3 to 5 hours to produce the thermally homogenized product.
 15. The method of claim 10, comprising: prior to warm rolling the plate and responsive to hot rolling the plate, cooling the plate until the plate reaches a second temperature between 500° C. and 900° C.; and responsive to the plate reaching the second temperature, maintaining a temperature of the plate for 45 min to 75 min at a third temperature between 500° C. and 900° C.
 16. The method of 10, comprising: responsive to warm rolling the plate, heat treating the plate at a heat treatment temperature, wherein the heat treatment temperature is configured such that at least one of: 15 to 25 volume % austenite is formed; 40 to 60 volume % austenite is formed; 70 to 90 volume % austenite is formed; or at least 95 volume % austenite is formed.
 17. A method for producing an alloy steel, comprising: melting an alloy mixture to produce a melted alloy mixture, wherein the alloy mixture comprises: 2 to 4 weight % chromium (Cr); 12 to 16 weight % manganese (Mn); at most 4 weight % silicone (Si); 1 to 3 weight % aluminum (Al); at most 0.3 weight % carbon (C); and iron (Fe); forming the melted alloy mixture into a product; heating the product to produce a thermally homogenized product; hot rolling the thermally homogenized product into a plate with a first thickness; and warm rolling the plate at a warm rolling temperature until the plate has a second thickness, wherein the warm rolling temperature is configured such that a crystal structure of the plate has 30 to 70 volume % austenite.
 18. The method of 17, comprising: responsive to warm rolling the plate, heat treating the plate at a heat treatment temperature for a specified duration of time, wherein: the chromium is present at 2.9 to 3.1 weight %; the manganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; the silicone is present at 0.9 to 1.1 weight %; the aluminum is present at 1.9 to 2.1 weight %; and the carbon is present at 0.09 to 0.11 weight %; and at least one of: the heat treatment temperature is between 180° C. and 220° C. and the specified duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1508 MPa, a yield strength of at least 978 and a total elongation of at least 27.8%; the heat treatment temperature is between 430° C. and 470° C. and the specified duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1696 MPa, a yield strength of at least 907 and a total elongation of at least 27.8%; the heat treatment temperature is between 500° C. and 540° C. and the specified duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1538 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1029 and a total elongation of at least 25%; or the heat treatment temperature is between 800° C. and 900° C. and the specified duration of time is between 5 minutes and 15 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1481 MPa, a yield strength of at least 335 and a total elongation of at least 24.8%.
 19. The method of 17, comprising: responsive to warm rolling the plate, heat treating the plate at a heat treatment temperature for a specified duration of time, wherein: the alloy mixture has a copper content of 1.5 to 2.5 weight %; the chromium is present at 2.9 to 3.1 weight %; the manganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; the silicone is present at 0.9 to 1.1 weight %; the aluminum is present at 1.9 to 2.1 weight %; and the carbon is present at 0.09 to 0.11 weight %; and at least one of: the heat treatment temperature is between 270° C. and 310° C. and the specified duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1368 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1029 MPa and a total elongation of at least 44.8%; the heat treatment temperature is between 430° C. and 470° C. and the specified duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1353 MPa, a yield strength of at least 986 MPa and a total elongation of at least 39.3%; the heat treatment temperature is between 560° C. and 600° C. and the specified duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1414 MPa, a yield strength of at least 753 MPa and a total elongation of at least 42%; or the heat treatment temperature is between 800° C. and 900° C. and the specified duration of time is between 5 minutes and 15 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1268 MPa, a yield strength of at least 392 MPa and a total elongation of at least 42%.
 20. The method of 17, comprising: responsive to warm rolling the plate, heat treating the plate at a heat treatment temperature for a specified duration of time, wherein: the alloy mixture has a copper content of 0.5 to 1.1 weight %; the alloy mixture has a nickel content of 1.0 to 1.6 weight %; the chromium is present at 2.4 to 2.6 weight %; the manganese is present at 13.9 to 14.1 weight %; the silicone is present at 2.6 to 2.8 weight %; the aluminum is present at 1.9 to 2.1 weight %; and the carbon is present at 0.19 to 0.21 weight %; and at least one of: the heat treatment temperature is between 280° C. and 320° C. and the specified duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1698 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1584 MPa and a total elongation of at least 37%; the heat treatment temperature is between 450° C. and 490° C. and the specified duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1700 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1499 MPa and a total elongation of at least 39.4%; the heat treatment temperature is between 530° C. and 570° C. and the specified duration of time is between 15 minutes and 25 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1657 MPa, a yield strength of at least 1482 MPa and a total elongation of at least 41%; or the heat treatment temperature is between 800° C. and 900° C. and the specified duration of time is between 5 minutes and 15 minutes, wherein the plate has a tensile strength of at least 1649 MPa, a yield strength of at least 547.2 MPa and a total elongation of at least 40.1%. 